In short
The median value of owner-occupied homes in Philadelphia is $253,600 (Census ACS 2024; owner estimates, not sale prices). The FHFA House Price Index shows Pennsylvania prices up 3.9% and Philadelphia-area prices up 2.8% between the second quarters of 2025 and 2026. On that price, Pennsylvania's realty transfer tax comes to $2,536, shared by buyer and seller. Plus Philadelphia's city share of 3.578% (since July 1, 2025), 4.578% in total with the state (City of Philadelphia). Selling a main home you owned and lived in for 2 of the last 5 years, the first $250,000 of gain ($500,000 for a married couple filing jointly) is excluded from federal income tax (IRS Publication 523).
Calculate for Philadelphia
In short
The median value of owner-occupied homes in the city of Philadelphia is $253,600, according to the Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey. The City’s Department of Revenue lists a combined realty transfer tax of 4.578% (3.578% City and 1% Commonwealth). Anyone selling property in Philadelphia needs a Property Sales Certification, according to the City.
How much homes cost in Philadelphia
The Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS) asks owners how much they think their home would sell for. The median of those answers is a useful benchmark, but it is not a sale price: it covers every owner-occupied home, including homes bought long ago. Our page on Pennsylvania home prices explains the method in detail.
| Area | Median value, 2024 (ACS) | Margin of error (90%) |
|---|---|---|
| City of Philadelphia (same as Philadelphia County) | $253,600 | ±$6,236 |
| Philadelphia–Camden–Wilmington metro area | $375,100 | ±$2,652 |
| Pennsylvania | $277,600 | ±$1,517 |
| United States | $360,600 | ±$618 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 1-Year Estimates 2024, table B25077. The 2025 estimates are scheduled for October 29, 2026.
Are Philadelphia prices rising?
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) tracks repeat sales of the same single-family homes. Its purchase-only, seasonally adjusted index for the Philadelphia, PA metro division, published August 25, 2026, shows:
| Area | 1-year change (Q2 2025 to Q2 2026) | 5-year change (Q2 2021 to Q2 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia, PA metro division | +2.8% | +27.0% |
| Pennsylvania | +3.9% | +37.2% |
| United States | +2.1% | +33.4% |
Source: FHFA House Price Index, quarterly purchase-only files. Changes calculated by Payotte from the published index values.
Prices in the Philadelphia area rose modestly over the past year, after a gain of about a quarter over five years.
Transfer tax in Philadelphia
Philadelphia charges its own realty transfer tax on top of the state’s. The City’s Department of Revenue page lists a City rate of 3.578% and a Commonwealth rate of 1%, for a total of 4.578%, calculated on the sale price or assessed value plus any assumed debt. Our page on transfer tax in Pennsylvania explains the rules; we do not recalculate it here.
Property tax in Philadelphia
The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) sets the assessed value of each property, and the City’s Real Estate Tax is based on that figure. Two rates are combined, one for the City and one for the School District, and the bill is due on March 31 each year. The City’s page also describes a homestead exemption that reduces the taxable part of the assessment, available only after you apply. To dispute an assessment, you file an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes. For the current rates and how the tax is paid through a mortgage, see our Pennsylvania property tax guide and our guide to escrow accounts.
Help for first-time buyers
The City’s Philly First Home program offers a grant of up to $10,000 or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is less, for the down payment and closing costs, “while funding is available.” It requires counseling before you sign the agreement of sale and applies to single-family homes and duplexes, not condominiums. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency adds its own assistance loans. Amounts, income limits and a worked example are on our page about first-time buyer programs in Pennsylvania.
Selling in Philadelphia: the sales certification
The City of Philadelphia states that “Pennsylvania State Law requires you to have a Property Sales Certification to sell real estate in Philadelphia,” for commercial and residential property alike. The certification provides the property’s zoning classification, its last established use in the zoning record, and a disclosure of uncorrected violations of the housing, building, safety and fire ordinances. The City’s page lists a fee of $139 and a processing time of five business days, and applications go through the eCLIPSE online system or in person at the Permit and License Center. Confirm the fee and timing with the Department of Licenses and Inspections before you list. Our page on seller disclosure in Pennsylvania covers the state’s separate disclosure rules.
Pennsylvania guides for Philadelphia buyers
Frequently asked questions
What is the median home price in Philadelphia?
The Census Bureau’s 2024 American Community Survey puts the median value of owner-occupied homes in the city of Philadelphia at $253,600 (±$6,236). This is what owners think their home is worth, not the median sale price of recent sales.
Are home prices in Philadelphia going up?
According to the FHFA purchase-only index, prices in the Philadelphia, PA metro division rose 2.8% between the second quarter of 2025 and the second quarter of 2026. Over five years, they rose 27.0%.
Does Philadelphia have a transfer tax?
Yes. The City’s Department of Revenue lists a City rate of 3.578% and a Commonwealth rate of 1%, for a total of 4.578%. See our transfer tax page for the details.
Who assesses property in Philadelphia?
The Office of Property Assessment determines your property’s value, and the Department of Revenue bills the Real Estate Tax, due March 31. Appeals of an assessment go to the Board of Revision of Taxes.
Do I need a certificate to sell a home in Philadelphia?
Yes, according to the City: a Property Sales Certification from the Department of Licenses and Inspections, covering zoning and uncorrected code violations. Check the current fee and timing with the City.
More Pennsylvania guides
- Closing costs in Pennsylvania: what buyers and sellers pay
- Pennsylvania realty transfer tax: 1% state, 4.578% in Philadelphia
- Pennsylvania property tax: rates, relief and appeals
- Pennsylvania seller disclosure: what sellers must tell buyers
- Do you need a real estate attorney to close in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania foreclosure process: timeline, notices and help
- Home prices in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia: value and trend
- First-time buyer programs in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia
- How to verify a real estate license in Pennsylvania
Sources
- Table B25077, Median Value (Dollars), ACS 1-Year Estimates 2024 (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- 2025 ACS Data Release Schedule (U.S. Census Bureau) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- U.S. House Prices Rise 2.1 Percent Year over Year, Up 0.3 Percent Quarter over Quarter (FHFA, August 25, 2026) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- FHFA House Price Index datasets, quarterly purchase-only indexes (state, metro) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Realty Transfer Tax (City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Real Estate Tax (City of Philadelphia, Department of Revenue) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Get a Property Sales Certification (City of Philadelphia, Licenses and Inspections) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Buy your first home (City of Philadelphia) (consulted October 13, 2026)
- Philly First Home (Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation) (consulted October 13, 2026)